Milk & Froth: Bringing True Homemade Ice Cream to Detroit
Milk & Froth is redefining the ice cream scene in Detroit and Ann Arbor with their handmade, from-scratch ice cream. We sat down with co-founder Alexis to learn about their journey from a food truck to a thriving storefront, and the unique flavors that have captured the hearts of their customers.
Milk & Froth, a standout ice cream spot in Detroit and Ann Arbor, isn’t your average ice cream shop. Founded by partners Alexis and Dion, the idea for the business came from a realization that Detroit lacked a true ice cream institution like other cities. "We realized over time that there were some things we craved that just weren't available in Detroit... one of those was really good ice cream," said Alexis. Inspired by different iconic ice cream brands, like Jeni's in Chicago, the duo decided to change that by offering something different.
Milk & Froth stands out from most ice cream shops by making their ice cream entirely from scratch—no shortcuts–– a decision sparked by the founders' discovery of a surprising industry secret. "What we realized was that most everyone does not make their own ice cream," Alexis explained. "Most shops, even ones that advertise 'homemade ice cream,' buy a pre-manufactured mix and then add flavorings. When we realized that, we thought, 'That's crazy. People don’t know this.' So, we decided to learn how to make our own ice cream."
In 2017, Milk & Froth started out as a food truck. Despite the challenges of running a mobile operation, the response was overwhelming. "People seemed to really love it," Alexis shared. "We're still trying to educate people about the difference between making your own ice cream and using a mix. But regardless, people can taste that there’s something different about our ice cream, even if they don’t know what it is."
The Flavors That Started It All
When Milk & Froth first hit the streets with their food truck, a few key flavors quickly became crowd favorites. Alexis noted, "Honeycomb and pecan butter brittle were two of the flavors that really put us on the map. People loved the rich, creamy texture, especially since both are custard-based, giving them an extra depth of flavor.” The salted caramel flavor, with its chocolate-covered bits and crunchy texture, also made a splash.
These custards, made with egg yolks for a richer texture, surprised customers who were used to standard ice cream, giving them something completely new to enjoy.
A Flavor for Everyone
The shop prides itself on having staple flavors that stay consistent, but also loves experimenting with new creations. Alexis highlighted the constant evolution of their menu, with 70% of their flavors being mainstays while the rest rotate frequently. One standout? Her personal favorite: “Malt cherry chocolate. It’s like a deconstructed milkshake with chocolate bits, cherries, and a malt-flavored base.”
And when it comes to recommendations for first-time visitors, Alexis is quick to suggest trying the malt cherry chocolate or the fan-favorite honeycomb.
The Journey from Food Truck to Brick-and-Mortar
Transitioning from a food truck to a permanent location was a big step, but one that Alexis and Dion were ready for. "Running the food truck was surprisingly harder than running the store. We thought it would be the reverse, but finding places to go and having people know where to find you was tough," Alexis said.
Now, with a storefront, they’ve established themselves in the Ann Arbor community, despite the cold weather. "Ann Arbor is an ice cream town. We’ve been super busy and happy with the business there," Alexis noted. "People don’t shy away from the cold weather—they just love ice cream."
Future Plans and Expanding Horizons
Looking ahead, Milk & Froth has plans to expand further into wholesale. "We really want to grow our presence in grocery stores," Alexis shared. "That allows us to expand without physically opening more stores."
For those dreaming of starting their own food business, Alexis offered valuable advice: "Focus really heavily on the product. Be the best you can at what you’re making, and it will sell itself. We never have to worry about how to sell more ice cream because our demand exceeds our supply. It’s all about making the best product possible."
Milk & Froth is more than just an ice cream shop; it’s a business dedicated to quality and innovation. By making their ice cream from scratch and focusing on exceptional flavors, Alexis and Dion have created a space that stands out in Detroit and Ann Arbor. Whether you’re looking for a rich custard or a unique take on classic flavors, Milk & Froth has something for every ice cream lover.
